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HISTORY OF THE BALINESE DANCE
In the 14th century, the defeat of Bali by Majapahit led to the creation
of mini-principalities and courts. As a result a blend of
Javanese court and peasant culture was created in Bali.
The present day accompanying narrative for dance and drama
is to a large extent based on court stories from pre-Majapahit Java.
The Indian epics are another favourite of the stage and the
Javanese influence can be seen especially in the wayang
where long quotes from the ancient Javanese Kakawin
poetry are recited out.
The 16th century brought Islamization to Java, resulting in much
of the Javanese culture vanishing from its own land. However,
it transformed in Bali, becoming classical Balinese culture.
But this didn't live too long until colonization.
The rural courts were defeated and replaced with new
lords of the land, shifting the center of creativity to
village associations and to the development of tourism.
The Balinese cultural dance was in its hype of activities
especially during the 30's and 50's.
The fertile decades helped survive the old narrative-led
theatre while letting loose solo dances almost everywhere,
accompanied by a new, dynamic kind of music called gong kebyar.
This trend continued in the 60's and 70's with the
creation of colossal sendratari ballets, representing
ancient Indian and Javanese stories adapted to the
needs of modern audiences
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